Budget 2010: Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth

March 30, 2010

A few weeks ago, our Conservative Government launched an ambitious new federal budget focused on job creation and growth to support Canada’s economic recovery. This has been an important year, and a difficult time, but Canada’s best is still to come.
 
We are now entering year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan - a plan that is designed to create and protect jobs. We are taking a new approach and increased measures to create the jobs of the future. Our forward-looking actions will secure Canada’s economic growth for today and tomorrow.
 
The budget plan has three key objectives, and I think it is important that you understand the steps we are taking to get the economy back on track.
 
First and most important, our plan implements a three point strategy that is focused on returning to budget balance once the economy has recovered. This plan will see restraint shown in targeted measures, the end of the temporary stimulus measures and additional restraint through an in-depth review of administrative functions and overhead costs. As well, a hold on salaries for Members of Parliament like myself.
 
We are also introducing investments in a number of new targeted initiatives to build jobs and growth for the economy of tomorrow. This will benefit the people of Halton directly and provide new opportunities moving forward.
 
Our Budget confirms $19 billion in new federal stimulus under Year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs. This includes many job-creating projects in Ontario including over $9.8 million in two years to support the Algoma Central Railway and the Toronto Northland Transportation Commission. Year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will provide over $1.3 billion in personal income tax relief in 2010-11 to help workers and families in Ontario manage through difficult economic conditions.
 
Halton and Ontario will continue to receive increased federal support through Budget 2010. Total transfers will hit $18.8 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $801 million from last year and $6.9 billion than under the old Liberal government. Unlike other political parties in Ottawa, the Government has been clear that it will not raise taxes or reduce transfers to provinces like Ontario, and seniors in the years ahead. In fact, Budget 2010 confirmed the Conservative Government’s strong support for provinces.
 
I encourage you to find out more about how our plan helps you. Please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca